U.S. Cattlemen's Association optimistic about Senate's work on the Farm Bill

October 12, 2007

USCA - With Congress taking its Columbus Day recess from October 8 - 12, the U.S. Cattlemen's Association (USCA) is urging cattle producers to reach out to their congressional delegations for discussion and direction on issues. USCA is encouraging producers to focus on their U.S. Senators because the Senate will be debating farm policy in the near future. USCA's Director of Government Affairs, Jess Peterson said, "The Senate Agriculture Committee is tentatively scheduled to take up the farm bill during the week of October 22. That means we have two weeks to communicate with Senators urging support for competition reform, country of origin labeling (COOL), and interstate meat inspection. There is strong bipartisan support for these issues. USCA is optimistic that the Senate Farm Bill will contain a livestock title that will bring about meaningful competition reform. Senators are back home in their respective states during this recess making them more accessible to their constituents. This is a great opportunity to visit with them." Peterson, who is working closely with agriculture committee members and their staff, said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, are committed to competition reform. In comments to USCA Senator Harkin said, "It is important that this farm bill have a livestock title that facilitates markets and provides basic protections to producers in the marketplace. To name a few, my livestock title seeks to improve USDA's enforcement over the Packers and Stockyards Act, a law passed by Congress in 1921 to keep markets fair and above board. This title also clarifies this important law after courts have watered it down, making it impossible for producers to prove unfair practices." Senator Grassley concurred saying, "A fair and level playing field is essential for livestock producers to be competitive in the marketplace. A ban on packer ownership and a ban on mandatory arbitration are some of the most important steps that we need to take to get that level field established. I've made a commitment to farmers and ranchers of this country to make sure they can sell their livestock in a transparent way, and I intend to hold up my end of the bargain." Peterson said implementation of COOL remains on track. "Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) and 30 other Senators have signed a letter of support for the U.S. House COOL language. USCA appreciates Senator Johnson's leadership on